Photo Gallery: Valparaiso

Sometimes the best cities are the ones you can simply wander through. Admittedly, my travel friends and I all felt that this coastal town had more of a western feel than Santiago and so we all felt a piece of home. The many alley ways, colorful houses, intimate artworks, blue vistas, coffee shops, and local breweries all made us feel a relaxed sense of time that was distinctly European.

On the top of one of the highest hills is the poet Pablo Neruda's home, which is well worth a visit just for the bay views alone. Then there are the Spanish churches, the colonial architecture, the distinctly Chilean vibe, and, of course, the color. Many tourists take a day trip from Santiago, but while I admittedly didn't wander too far out at night, this town is best appreciated from a balcony (or two), with enough time to get lost in the hills and to ride the many funiculars taking you right to the top.